School Leaver and Undergraduate program 2026

Are you ready to discover endless possibilities? Currently completing year 12?

Well, you're in the right place There is no better place to start a career than at SW. We are a progressive advisory and accounting firm with a 90-year history in Australia.

The School Leaver program combines work with structured education through CA or University. This allows you to earn while you're learning and apply concepts learned through education in the workplace, fast tracking your career.

During the program, you will work on real client work, be part of SW's leading learning and development program, and of course, have fun events

Apply now, join Australia's best-kept accounting secret, and experience what it's like to be part of a team that leads the way and creates opportunities every day

School Leaver at SW: Choose your pathway.

As a School Leaver, you create your own pathway, putting you in the driver's seat of your career. You can choose between two exciting divisions: our Business Private Client Advisory division and our Assurance and Advisory division.

You can also select between a University pathway or a Non-Degree Pathway:

Non-Degree pathway: Fast track your career with little to no HECS debt, with no university During your 2-year undergraduate program, you will undertake structured Chartered Accounting education to give you strong foundations in the accounting world, whilst gaining hands-on experience. Following completion of the program, you will satisfy the requirements to enter into the CA Program (Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting). This program allows you to bypass university, fast-tracking your Professional Services career and saving on university fees.

University Pathway: During your 4-year undergraduate program, combining part-time work with structured education through university. You will gain hands-on experience in the accounting world and apply concepts from your education directly into the workplace.

Join SW, a hidden gem in the world of accounting:

• Be a part of a recognized leader in Graduate and Internship programs, winning numerous awards since 2016
• Join a firm that is growing and open to change and disruption in today's economy
• Accelerate your career with SW sponsoring your Chartered Accountant studies
• Extra leave days, matched time, and a dedicated Wellness Wing to encourage your work-life balance
• Weekly team lunches, regular social events, and offsites to foster a positive work culture
• Receive a $500 welcome bonus to help you dress for success from day one
• We believe in building meaningful relationships with our Graduates from the moment we first connect
• Mentor program, dedicating a buddy to guide you through the program and show you the ropes
• Be a part of SW before you start with our Keep In Touch Events, designed to build your skills, network, and connect with SW employees and your cohort
• Not traveled before? We have amazing secondment opportunities interstate and overseas

Your career has no limits at SW Graduate program:

As a graduate at SW, you create your own pathway, putting you in the driver's seat of your career. You will interact with a variety of clients within your first month. You'll enjoy a whole new world of thinking, culture, and experiences, and our experienced teams will be there to support and guide you along the way. If you're looking to work one-on-one with some of the best in the business and assist clients across a range of markets and industries, our Graduate program is for you.

In Australia, we operate in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth with over 400 people and 41 Partners nationally. Taking the lead, SW joined the rapidly growing SW International Network, one of the world's leading organizations of independently owned and managed advisory and accounting firms. With access to a global network and a team of over 12,000 professionals, 490+ Partners, in 95+ offices across 19 countries and regions, we work together to open doors to opportunity in Australia, Asia, and across the world.

We have been recognized as a Graduate and Intern Employer of Choice in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, as compiled by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) and the Australian Financial Review.

Business & Private Client Advisory

Our Business and Private Client Advisory Division works with a range of small, medium, and large private businesses and family groups, along with some not-for-profit and foreign-owned businesses. Our team offers a wide variety of services to clients operating in industries including property, education, hospitality & gaming, accommodation, agribusiness, and automotive.

Responsibilities

• Preparing tax returns
• Processing tax office correspondence
• Preparing Business Activity Statements
• And more

Assurance and Advisory

Our Assurance and Advisory Division's core services include traditional external audit, internal audit, and IT advisory. This team works on a broad range of clients and industries, providing opportunities to work with different Partners, Managers, and team members. For our Graduates, this means the opportunity to work across all streams and select a specialization once they have gained sufficient experience. With the chance to be based at our client's site, our Graduates will see first-hand what it means to run a business.

Responsibilities

• Preparing audit work papers
• Preparing stocktakes
• Visiting client sites
• Building relationships with clients
• And more

Who we're looking for:

• You're entrepreneurial and passionate about making a difference and opening doors to new opportunities for our clients
• You're energetic about putting knowledge into practice
• You're unique, one of a kind, and bring a different perspective – we value diversity of thought and a growth mindset
• You're authentic, empathetic, and a team-player who thrives in a collaborative environment
• You're completing Year 12 or have completed Year 12 last year and are planning to/are studying an accounting degree/TAFE
• Achieved 80 or above ATAR
• Applicants must be a citizen of, or hold permanent residency in, Australia or New Zealand

Join a growing firm that will open doors to growth and opportunities where you can make your own journey and love your work.

Applications will close 24 August at 11:59 pm